Goblin Dependency

Morning.

Neum, West City District, Crow's Beak Street.

The metal clasps of the chain armor clink together with each movement, creating a subtle, crisp sound; the radiant morning light spills over, reflecting a profound gloss on the smooth, flawless surface of the dark arm shield.

Xia Nan carries dual swords on his back, walking alone on the road.

There is no excess expression on his face, just silently walking.

In the guise of a fully armed adventurer as if about to venture deep into the Mist Forest, his sharp features and cold, fierce demeanor cause the oncoming pedestrians to quickly avert their gaze and hasten their steps.

Fearful of attracting the attention of this apparently difficult-to-approach adventurer.

To this, Xia Nan naturally pays attention.

And is glad for the quiet.

He has just left Jeff's house and is on his way to the mission destination.

It must be said, even though it was just a guest room temporarily cleared out for him.

But that soft bed where one could roll twice without falling to the floor, the quiet environment no longer subjected to noise from the hall, next door, and stairs, and even the delicious breakfast just now that quite suited his taste.

The actual living experience is far better than in the tavern.

Making Xia Nan once again consider the feasibility of buying a property in Neum or River Valley Town.

Unfortunately, his savings, which had just risen to a high three-digit number, had plummeted to rock bottom due to expenses at the blacksmith shop.

Ensuring pre-mission supply procurement and daily expenses currently doesn't support any additional three-digit expenses.

"Better save up some money first."

Xia Nan calculated in his heart.

After all, he has now become a proper professional, and after completing this association-leveling task, his efficiency in making money will definitely improve a lot.

His little treasury should fill up again soon.

By then, whether to continue saving money to upgrade the Snake Scale Arm Shield on him or to first buy a house to improve life quality, he will have choices.

Speaking of which, the series of events triggered last night due to the wood carving was undoubtedly a rare and unexpected situation for Jeff and his family, who have retired and returned to ordinary life.

Fortunately, Jeff reacted quickly, and the related handling was quite proper.

Daisy, Lilina, and others who had undergone purification by Holy Light at the church also returned to their usual calmness.

Calculating the time, they should have reached the tailor's shop by now, ready to open for business.

Reflecting, his mind couldn't help but recall the soft, silvery light mist, like moonlight, seen in Moon God Church last night.

Although it's unclear whether it can truly dispel and purify effects on the wood carving, there's no doubt that this divine art cast by the church's priests has excellent effects on easing mental stress and replenishing physical strength.

Moreover, it helped Xia Nan increase a bit of his Skill Level in Gravity Control.

The special observational perspective from Heart-drawing Vision on this world seems to let him perceive some slight rules regarding the operation of magic and divine arts at the "gravity" level.

It's still too early to draw conclusions, but it has given him some ideas for developing future abilities.

Perhaps... if there's a chance in the future, he could use Heart-drawing Vision more when spellcasters cast spells.

Not to mention substantial gains, even gaining a few points in battle skill proficiency would be good.

While pondering, Xia Nan stopped walking.

His gaze turned to the building beside him.

What came into view was a slightly old two-story building.

Not comparable to Jeff's "mansion," its residential area was quite ordinary without anything peculiar.

Scanning the door plate, Xia Nan took out a piece of paper with the mission location written on it from his pocket.

——West City District - Crow's Beak Street - Grey Tree Lane No. 32

Checking, he nodded almost imperceptibly.

Slowly, he stepped forward and gently knocked on the door.

Even though he had just arrived in Neum and encountered so many things.

But he wouldn't forget the reason he came to this big city from the "countryside."

Neither wood carving nor ability development is primary. He has to complete the leveling task assigned by the association first. Only then can he obtain the qualification to ascend to the association's second floor and thus gain information on professional level promotion methods and advancement.

Perhaps it was too early when he arrived; the house's owner wasn't awake yet.

Standing at the door, knocking intermittently, waiting for three to five minutes.

Until Xia Nan felt that there might be no one inside and planned to leave temporarily and come back later.

He then heard a series of clattering sounds as if something was knocked over, followed by hurried, frantic footsteps.

"Who!?"

Breathless, a vague female voice came from inside the door.

"The adventurer association's commission, remember?" Xia Nan cleared his throat and raised his voice, saying, "I'm the adventurer sent by the association."

Silence.

Zila—

The house door was gently opened from inside, revealing a crack in which a face, pale and clearly just roused from bed, long hair disheveled, and sleepy-eyed, appeared.

The cold morning air rushed into the warm interior, and the silhouette standing at the door, backlit by the sunlight, rendered the features indistinct, with only the longsword behind reflecting a chilling gleam.

It startled the house owner so much that even her instinctive words trembled:

"How... how do you prove?"

Xia Nan frowned.

...

...

Filled with various clutter, the originally spacious living room seemed particularly cramped, requiring careful steps to avoid stepping on something.